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Enchanting India - Source: House of Travel -
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India is a stunning destination that will excite and challenge
the senses at every turn. It is a destination of such
diversity and intensity that will leave you mesmerised and
exhausted in the same breath.
This is not a destination for the faint of heart. There is travel
and there is holidaying. Make no mistake, this very much falls into
the travel category!
But those that are prepared to take the plunge and allow their
senses to be challenged and assaulted will be rewarded with a
destination that embraces the spiritual, offers exquisite
architecture, challenging but delicious cuisine, and bursts with
colour and vibrance.
WHERE TO START - RAJASTHAN
India is a large land mass filled with contrasts and
cultures. Simply speaking, the North of the country is steeped in
history and culture, and provides the authentic Indian experience
that we would expect. The South of the country is far more
relaxed and restful - a destination for hitting the beaches,
relaxing in house boats and enjoying a yoga retreat.
Those intending to visit India usually take a minimum of 12-14 days
to scratch the surface of the North. Three to four weeks is more
typical for travellers intending to combine their trip with a visit
to the South.
Make no mistake, India is a large land mass and the infrastructure
can be best described as absolute chaos. Getting around takes
time and patience.
Delhi
Kiwis travelling to India for the first time will
normally start with the Rajasthan district, where your Indian
immersion will include visits to the stunning architectural
temples, palaces and monuments of the Maharajas. Delhi is the main
hub for travellers into the North, and its new and old cities offer
distinct contrasts.
Must sees for the visitor to Delhi include the Red Fort (the palace for Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan's), Raj Ghat (the memorial to Mahatmar Gandhi), Jama Masjid (the principle mosque of Old Delhi) and the Indian Gate (national monument inspired by the Arc de Triomphe).
Agra
2-3 hours train ride from Delhi is the iconic Taj Mahal -
a major drawcard for visitors to India. Built by Mughal Shah Jahan
as a tribute of love to his third wife, this exquisite white marble
mausoleum is considered the best example of Mughal architecture and
has achieved UNESCO World Heritage status. Note that this national
monument is closed to the public on Fridays.
Jaisalmer
Architect buffs should count Jaisalmer on their must-do
lists. The region, located deep in the heart of the Thar
Desert is famed for its exquisitely carved 12th Century houses,
beautifully preserved forts and palaces built by the Maharajas.
Colourful and vibrant markets are also characteristic of this
township.
Udaipur
Those that romanticise their visit to India by getting
lost in the endless alleyways, markets and narrow winding streets,
will find their calling in Udaipur.
BEYOND RAJASTHAN
Goa and Kerala
After a sensory explosion in the North, many visitors
seek refuge and relaxation in the Southern Beaches. Goa is the best
known tourist destination for a sun, surf and sand
holiday.
Another popular R&R option is the Southern province of Kerala,
with its elaborate network of lagoons, lakes, rivers and
tributaries. Cruising on a private house boat gives you a
tranquil and unique perspective of how the locals use the water in
pursuing their daily activities.
Varanasi
Welcome to the spiritual hub of India, where Hindus make
their pilgrimages to wash away a lifetime of sins in the river of
salvation - the Ganges , or to cremate their loved ones. The
citys ghats dot along the riverside and make for riveting people
watching, as pilgrims conduct sacred rituals celebrating life and
death.
Mumbai
Few places in the world will you see such a striking contrast
between wealth and poverty as Mumbai. Within the often overwhelming
chaos of Indias major metropolitan city you can observe the obscene
wealth of the financial powerhouse of India with its glittering sky
scrapers and Bollywood buzz. In sharp contrast is the extreme
poverty of the slums.
The scenic backdrop of Hollywood blockbuster Slumdog Millionaire,
Mumbai is an intoxicating clash of Indian culture, Bollywood drama,
historic architecture, stomach churning poverty, financial excess
mixed with the odd spiritual sanctuary.
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HOW AND WHEN TO TRAVEL
Most Kiwis find that travel between September and April
is the most comfortable time to experience India, while May to
August can be stifling because of the heat.
Independent Guided Holidays
At House of Travel, we find that 80% of travellers to
India would like to have a relatively independent experience. In
this instance, your House of Travel agent will usually organise an
accredited English speaking driver guide to facilitate your travel
plans. This is the best way to manage your itinerary so that
you get exactly what you want from your time in India, and at the
same time enable you to be immersed in the history, culture,
culinary experiences and adventure activities that are on
offer.
Small Group Touring
Some travellers prefer the company of travelling within a
group. Small group touring is also a popular option for the
savvy and the younger traveller alike. There are a number of
reputable operators that have pre-prepared itineraries for tourists
to get the most out of their Indian experience.
India by Rail
For those looking to tour in style, India by rail
provides unique and luxurious perspective of the vibrant, unfolding
landscape. Staying in sleeper carriages, your train journey
will take you point to point across the vast landscape, stopping at
key destinations where you will be escorted by a guide to visit the
local sights and highlights. For those with a penchant for the
familiar, this offers a safe and comfortable option and is
relatively cost effective when compared to the likes of the Orient
Express.
SOME RECOMMENDED MUST DOS IN INDIA
Cooking Classes - experience the authenticity of real Indian
cuisine when you combine your own spices and ingredients together
to prepare a delicious vegetarian of meat based meal.
Yoga Retreat in Goa - tap into your spiritual side and find
release from the sensual overload of India by experiencing yoga
sessions in the relaxing South.
Riding Camels in Rajasthan - take a tour or even a safari into Thar
(great Indian desert), and camp under the stars to enjoy a greater
appreciation of desert life.
Tuk Tuk Rides in Delhi - risk life and limb along the crazy streets
of Delhi and experience the eclectic pace of the city first hand in
an open air Tuk Tuk.
House of Travel are currently offering 10% off all India Total
Holiday Options private car tour packages for 10 days or more, for
sales until 18 September 2012.
Special conditions apply. For more information, visit your
local House of Travel store.